The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1887-12-10
DEHORNiNG CATTLE.
Interesting Notes by the Foreman of tn
Wisconsin Experiment station.


Interesting Notes by the Foreman of the
Wisconsin Experiment Station.
In these days of small margins in
cattle feeding, the successful feeder is
obliged to reduce to the minimum the
chances of loss by accidents and other
wise. In view of these facts the prac-
tice Of dehorning especially
bulls and steers-is becoming quite
general with the largest cattlemen who
feed in yards and open sheds.
1t must be remembered that fatal ac-
cidents is not the only damage done by
horns. Rest and contentment of the
animals are highly necessary to profit
able feeding. How can these condi-
tons be secured when one-half the
herd are kept in constant dread Of the
horns of the other half? Doubtless
there are a great many feeders who
would gladly dispense with the horns
if they knew it could be done so easily
and successfully.
We have had some experience in this
direction at the Wisconsin Experiment
Station. A six-year-old Jersey bnll
was the first animal operated upon.
His head was fastened with some diff
Guilty, through an opening in parti-
ton wall by an improvised stanchion,
and the horns sawed off close to the
skin. The blood spouted freely in
three small streams from each horn,
but we used nothing to check the flow,
and 1t soon stopped Of its own accord.
Five minutes after the operation he
went to eating hay. and seemed to suf-
fer no inconvenience from the loss of
his dangerous weapons.
A few weeks later, in November,
twelve steers eighteen months old
we're dehorned. A strong halter was
first put on, tho animals head was
then placed in stanchion and drawn
up (and to one side) by means of the
rope thrown over joist. This posi-
ton presents horn in a manner to
be easily operated upon. The horn
was then removed with carpenter S
fine-set casing saw, the rope loosened
and the animals head turned and
fastened up on the other side, thus pre-
senting the other horn.
In this experiment no attention was
paid to the exact point of cutting
Some were removed close to the head,
others half an inch or more from the
mead. No difference was observed in
the healing, but the horns that were re-
moved at point furtherest from the
head appeared to grow more rapidly
1t would seem from our experience
and others that to successfully destroy
future growth the horn must be sawed
off close to the skin. The animals were
all turned in yard together after be-
ing treated. We did not uss any thing
to stop the bleeding, which lasted from
ten to thirty minutes. They never lost a
pound or refused feed on account of it
One-third more hornless steers can
be safely kept in given space than
when allowed to carry their horns,
which is an economical factor not to be
ignored. l am aware that few de-
clare it to be cruel practice, but
those persons do not realize the suffer-
ing of weaker cattle that are kept in
constant terror for fear Of rake or
gouge from stronger companion.
Calves may be successfully dehorned
at from three to eight weeks old. The
instrument used in this case is ~ pair
of nippers, made just like common pin
GERS except that the blades are made
conceived and adjusted with set screw
in the handle, so that they ara notdull-
ed by coming together; it is necessary
that they be ground very true and
sharp. SO that the horn that has not yet
become attached to the skull may be
removed quickly and with very little
pain. Leslie II. adams, in LONE end
Farm.